Engaging Families of All Backgrounds for Student Success
“Eileen is an absolutely top-notch trainer for parents and other community members involved with schools. We recommend Eileen without reservation, and strongly feel that you would find her programs to be a tremendous asset.”
J.M., Parent Leader, High School Academic Task Force, Fairfax County (VA)
Families can provide critical supports for student success at home and at school. It is essential to engage families as authentic partners, valuing them for their unique insights and experiences, rather than criticizing or pitying them for what they may lack.
Just as professional development can build the competence of educators to develop family partnerships, programs for families can inform and empower them to become valuable partners with school.
For Educators:
- Connecting with Hard-to-Reach Parents The school holds parent meetings, even translates flyers. Yet still many parents remain disconnected. Assumptions fly that the families don’t care about education, or that that they don’t have the capacity to partner with the school. Dig deeper into root causes of the disconnection and discover ways to build authentic relationships with parents not based in blame or pity.
For Families:
- Becoming an Effective Partner with Your Child’s School Families can make a difference in their child’s success at school. Many families care deeply about education, but simply don’t know see their role or don’t know how to engage with the complex educational system. This program helps families turn their hopes and dreams for their child into meaningful collaboration with the school.
- How to Build a 21st Century Parent Group Parent leaders are often frustrated that the same few families show up for meetings. Learn how to create a 21st century parent organization that includes families from all backgrounds and works for the diversity of the families in the school and works for the benefit of every student.
- Developing Parent Leaders from Diverse Backgrounds Parents from all backgrounds have knowledge and skills to share with the school and their fellow parents. Some family members are ready to become leaders, but need support in taking on that role. Learn to identify potential leaders from diverse backgrounds and build their capabilities to become advocates for all children at the school, district and community.
Contact Eileen today for a free consultation on strengthening family engagement in your school or district.
Learn about more programs for educational leaders and faculty.
What Makes Us Different
A trusted thought-leader: As a journalist and author, Eileen knows how to listen, analyze and communicate. Her groundbreaking 2002 book, Debunking the Middle-Class Myth: Why diverse schools are good for all kids, documented how diversity benefits every student of every background.
Her latest book, Innovative Voices in Education: Engaging Diverse Communities, highlights effective strategies from educators and community leaders around the world.
Eileen’s commentaries on diversity and equity appear in publications from USA Today and The Washington Post to Educational Leadership, Kappan Journal, UK Ed Magazine, PTA’s Our Children, and Education Week. Eileen global work includes helping craft the indicators for the PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and leading ground-breaking parent engagement programs for disenfranchised families in South Africa.
Shrinking Achievement Gaps
School culture is the foundation of student achievement. Students need to feel welcome and valued before they can connect with instruction. Caring and supportive relationships in the classroom and in the school are crucial.
Engaging All Families as Partners
Families are a critical support system for students. Yet many families remain disconnected from school. We need to rethink family engagement to empower every family member to be a mentor and advocate for their child.
Advocating for the Benefits of Diversity
Research continues to confirm what Eileen wrote in 2002 – diverse schools are good for all kids. We need to fight for policies that increase diversity in our schools, while assuring they are grounded in equity to support every student.
Inspiring Corporate Leaders
Diverse teams are the most creative and productive. We need to leverage differences of all types to create a workplace that values difference, engages all workers and builds commitment to a common mission.
